What I Love About Malayalam Cinema and Its Actors

Happy Republic Day to one and all

Today, I felt like writing something about cinema. More specifically, about Malayalam cinema and its actors, for which I have developed a deep admiration over the years. Let me try to put down the reasons for this fondness.

Nature

I was raised in Coorg and the coastal areas of Karnataka, bordering Kerala. So whenever I watch Malayalam movies that showcase lush forests, mountains, rivers, coconut plantations, rain-soaked roads, and quiet villages, I feel an instant connection. It feels like home. My childhood memories come alive through what is shown on screen. The landscapes don’t feel staged; they feel lived in.

Natural Storytelling

When I look at the storylines and plots of Malayalam movies, they are woven so close to real life. Very rarely do you find superficial storytelling or exaggerated stardom-driven narratives. The stories are grounded, subtle, and honest about ordinary people, ordinary conflicts, and extraordinary emotions hidden within everyday life.

Acting (or Is It Even Acting?)

Sometimes while watching these movies, I genuinely wonder whether I am watching a film, a real-life story, a documentary, or a live news channel. The expressions, body language, clothing, vehicles, and mannerisms, everything feels so natural. In fact, I hesitate to even call it acting. It feels less like acting and more like life unfolding on screen,  real and reel becoming indistinguishable.

Actors and the Characters They Choose

Now comes the most important part: The actors and the characters they portray. Just wow.

During COVID, I watched Driving License. For a moment, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Prithviraj, an actor at the peak of his career, a hero worshipped by a massive fan base, plays a character who is almost negative throughout the movie, a loser in life in many ways. I initially thought it must be an odd film. But I was proven wrong when I later watched Ayyappanum Koshiyum. Once again, Prithviraj delivered a powerful performance without bothering about status, image, or stardom. He simply became the character.

And this is not limited to Prithviraj.

A megastar like Mammootty doesn’t seem to care about his stature when it comes to choosing roles. Kaathal,  I honestly believe no other star of his standing would have accepted such a role. I initially thought it was a one-off experiment. But then I watched Kalamkaval, a role of a psychopath. Seriously? How did Mammootty even agree to this role? Trust me, if I were in his place, I would have said no without a second thought. Mamukka, you are truly great. And by the way, congratulations, you absolutely deserve the Padma Bhushan you received today.

Mohanlal is no exception either. Look at Thudarum. Or why go that far, even Hridayapoorvam, one of his recent films. How do actors who have been superstars for over 40 years accept such simple, ordinary, almost understated roles? Hats off to them.

And then there are actors like Fahadh Faasil and Basil Joseph. In one movie, they are heroes;in  the very next, they play supporting roles. They accept negative characters, thieves, police officers, anything! They simply do not care about status, ego, or positioning within the industry. They care only about the role and how best they can perform it.

A Final Thought

I couldn’t write anything else today because I just finished watching a movie called Ullozhukku. I must say there is no match to its storyline, cinematography, emotions, and confessions. The entire film is at its absolute best.

I am truly a big fan of Malayalam cinema. Thanks to Covid, I started watching Malayalam movies seriously, maybe over 100 so far, and still counting.

Keep up the great work, Mollywood!

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